Female NPA member to face murder charges for the death of soldier

The female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was recently arrested in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro is facing murder charge in connection with the death of an Army officer.

In a report by the 2nd Infantry Division, the captured female NPA member was later identified as Charleze Garzon, also known as Ka Kaye in the terrorist group.

She is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of an Army officer during the 29 March encounter in San Jose.

The charge stems from the firefight in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro, where Captain Dean Buen Oyando gave the ultimate sacrifice and two other soldiers were wounded while pursuing the fleeing armed group.

Garzon is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station in Occidental Mindoro.

While several groups allied with the communist movement, including Karapatan Southern Tagalog, publicly released the identity and photograph of the captured individual, the Army deliberately withheld such information to protect her rights and ensure that her dignity is preserved.

According to the 2nd Infantry Division, the decision to refrain from publicly disclosing the identity of the captured individual was guided by established operational procedures and humanitarian principles that govern the treatment of persons involved in armed conflict.

In a statement, Chief, 2nd Division Public Affairs Office, Colonel Michael Aquino emphasized that the Army remains bound by the rule of law and by its responsibility to respect human dignity.

“Even if a person has taken up arms against the government, that does not mean we strip them of their basic rights and dignity. As soldiers, we are duty-bound to respect human rights at all times,” Colonel Aquino said.

He noted that the public exposure of sensitive personal information could place individuals and their families at risk.

“It is concerning that while our troops chose restraint and respect for the individual’s rights, others were quick to publicize her identity for their propaganda without any regard for the possible consequences,” he added.

Colonel Aquino stressed that the Army’s actions reflect its commitment to professionalism and lawful conduct.

“Our soldiers are in the field to secure communities from the harms of terrorism. At the same time, we remain steadfast in upholding the dignity of every person, even those who once stood on the other side of the conflict,” he said.

The 2nd Infantry Division also called on the public to remain discerning of information circulating online and to support efforts that promote truth, responsibility, and lasting peace.